Moving your body on a daily basis as much as you can is a great way to keep it in shape. But not just any exercise is going to make it easy to stay fit. One of the more popular and interesting ways to stay fit is cycling. But cycling is not only there to help you be in good shape. Cycling regularly helps improve flexibility and coordination while it keeps your balance on point.
This type of multipurpose workout also helps improve your mental health and with conditions that affect your joints like osteoarthritis and arthritis. Great for beginners and for your core muscles, cycling is a full-body exercise that can help boost brain power while also being a great way to start off the morning.
Types of Bike Pedals
Platform (Flat)
These bicycle pedals have a flat surface, hence their name. They are popular for mountain biking and general-purpose cycling. You can use both regular and specific shoes when riding with flat bike pedals. BMX bikes also have cycling pedals and you can also use flat pedals for downhill biking.
Toe Clips
Also known as cage pedals, toe clips are meant to be used by both recreational riders and serious commuters. Toe clips are good for beginners and they’re an affordable pair of pedals that can be used with any type of shoe as long as it fits in the cage. Keep in mind though with these pedals you don’t get the full power of a pedal stroke.
Clipless
Toe clips are the old-fashioned version of clipless pedals. The latter are meant to be used with specific shoes that attach to the pedals much like the boots of a ski binding system. Clipless pedals can be used with commuter bikes as well as road bikes and mountain bikes. These pedals allow you to use the most out of them with each pedal stroke.
Hybrid
A hybrid pair of pedals is made up of one platform pedal and one clipless pedal. Hybrid pedals make for a great solution when you want to make the jump from toe cage to platform pedals. Also, hybrid pedals are quite inexpensive and they provide a certain level of flexibility that isn’t found with other types of bicycle pedals.
BMX
Although similar in design to flat MTB pedals, BMX pedals are more robust and simpler too. Of course, BMX pedals are mainly found on BMXs but they can still be used on other bicycles. BMX pedals come made of aluminium, steel, and resin while being heavier and more affordable than platform pedals.
MTB
Mountain bike pedals are available as a clipless version. These types of clipless pedals have more than one entry point where the cleat can attach to them. This makes for dual-sided pedals that are great for off-road riding as they are much better at dealing with mud when it comes to clipping the shoes to the pedals.
2-Bolt
Mountain bikes can also have a 2-bolt clip-in system. This makes for a pair of bicycle pedals that make it easier for the cleats to attach to them. Since the clip-in mechanism of these pedals is found on both sides. It’s also much easier to walk with mountain bike shoes since the cleat is usually found in the tread of the shoes. There are also 3-bolt and 4-bolt clip-in systems which make it easier to get more power from each turn but usually require adapters in order to be used the right way.
Features of Bike Pedals
Float
The degree to which your foot can pivot depends on the design of the pedal. This all happens on a horizontal plane and it allows your knees to track the pedalling motion naturally and it’s referred to as the float of the pedals. The higher the float is the better the cycling pedals will be if you have issues with your knees.
Multiple-Release Cleats
Something that is sold separately from pedals yet it can affect the ease of use greatly is multiple-release cleats. Unlike most cleats, which release laterally, multiple-release cleats do the same thing but more easily. This is thanks to the slightly increased angle of the cleats. Such a small design change makes it tremendously convenient to detach your shoes from the pedals.
Spindle Length
Also known as axle length, spindle length refers to the distance between the crank arm and the body of the pedal. There are more and more manufacturers that have started to offer pedals with an increased spindle length. This also helps in knee cap tracking.
Stack
The thickness or height of a pedal is called a stack. Typically, you would find that most bike riders prefer pedals with lower stacks. This is because these kinds of pedals allow for a more natural knee and ankle flex. Also, low stack pedals are able to make for a more stable pedalling motion.
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